Abstract: An automated wheelchair for moving over a contact surface. The automated wheelchair includes an operator chair for seating the wheelchair operator, a control computer, an operator input device for transmitting operator inputs to the control computer, and two wheelchair wheels for propelling the wheelchair. Each wheelchair wheel includes extendable and retractable spokes. The extension and retraction of each spoke is controlled by a motor. At the ends of each spoke are contact sensor devices. The control computer is programmed to receive inputs transmitted from the contact sensor devices to record contact position data. The control computer generates and sends control signals to each spoke motor in response to the operator inputs and in response to the contact position data generated by the contact sensor devices.

Abstract: An automated wheelchair for moving over a contact surface. The automated wheelchair includes an operator chair for seating the wheelchair operator, a control computer, an operator input device for transmitting operator inputs to the control computer, and two wheelchair wheels for propelling the wheelchair. Each wheelchair wheel includes extendable and retractable spokes. The extension and retraction of each spoke is controlled by a motor. At the ends of each spoke are contact sensor devices. The control computer is programmed to receive inputs transmitted from the contact sensor devices to generate a terrain profile. The control computer generates and sends control signals to each spoke motor in response to the operator inputs and in response to the terrain profile generated by the contact sensor devices. In a preferred embodiment the contact sensor devices are pressure sensor devices. Also in a preferred embodiment, rotatable pneumatic wheels are attached to both ends of each spoke.

Abstract: A multi-function sheet handling system including an automatic document feeder (ADF) for automatically feeding sheets of a document held in an ADF input tray. An ADF pick roller selectively picks a sheet of the document and advances the picked sheet along an ADF path. The system includes an automatic sheet feeder (ASF) for automatically feeding sheets of a print media held in an ASF input tray. An ASF pick roller selectively picks a sheet from the ASF input tray and advances the picked sheet along an ASF path. The system further includes an ADF gear for driving the ADF roller, an ASF gear for driving the ASF roller, and a motor drive including a gear train, the motor drive including a stepper motor or other motor with position control. A three-state shifting device couples the motor drive gear train to the ADF and the ASF gears.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for reducing processing time for aligning two parts by machine vision. The prior art approach of utilizing a substrate (b 14) with two spaced-apart targets (16a, 16b) and a top-plate (10) with two primary alignment openings (b 12a, 12b) spaced apart the same distance as the targets is improved by providing a set of fiducials (a pair of secondary openings (18a, 18b) or a pair of marks (18'a, 18'b) on the surface) in the top-plate. As a consequence of the novel approach, the vision system is not confused by the similar reflectivities of the target and the top-plate as the substrate and top-plate are brought into contact. Accordingly, alignment may be readily rechecked after assembly.

Abstract: A self-contained, self-powered hot air distribution system is provided which utilizes a Stirling engine, the hot end of the displacement cylinder of which extends into a fireplace or other heat source, with a fan or blower which is powered by the Stirling engine blowing air over the cold end of the displacement cylinder and into the fireplace or other heat source and back out into an area to be space heated.